Half time: Controversial officiating as Ecuador lead Super Eagles in much-improved performance

Super Eagles were denied two clear penalties by the referee in the first 45 minutes of the friendly game against Ecuador

A much-improved performance by the Super Eagles hasn’t yielded much in goals as Nigeria conceded a third minute goal to trail against Ecuador.

An in-swinging free kick beat the Super Eagles defense with Chidozie Awaziem and Faisal Sani culpable for ball-watching. An unmarked Pervis Estupinan lurked behind the two players to score an early goal for the World Cup-bound South Americans.

While Ecuador had the larger share of the possession, the Super Eagles created the brighter opportunities.

There was a penalty shout in the 13th minute when an Alex Iwobi through ball was reached by Terem Moffi. The Lorient attacker rounded the Ecuadorian goalkeeper and was caught but the referee waved on despite protests by Super Eagles players.

Ecuador strung the ball around better than the Nigerians but the duo of Moses Simon and Calvin Bassey were impressive on the left and constantly proved to be attacking threats for Nigeria.

Francis Uzoho made a beautiful save just past the half hour mark before Cyriel Dessers forced a save from the Ecuadorian goalkeeper.

A Simon corner was met by the lively Moffi before Semi Ajayi also headed it back in control. A half volley by Moffi hit Dessers’ feet on its way to the goal as Super Eagles were denied another scoring opportunity.

The Nigerians had another penalty shout on the stroke of half time but were denied to the disappointment and anger of Jose Peseiro and some players who confronted the referee after the end of the half.

Awaziem was replaced by Ola Aina at the start of the second half while Emmanuel Dennis came on for Sani.